Community Employment (CE) participants are an invaluable part of Enable Ireland’s workforces and can be found in positions across our organisation from services to our charity shops to fundraising and administration roles. We have a number of CE vacancies in our organisation at the moment including Mini-Bus Driver, Transport Assistant, Activities Assistant, Clerical Assistant, Shop Assistants, Receptionist. If you want to find out more about our CE vacancies contact hello@enableireland.ie
“Since I joined Enable Ireland as part of the CE programme, I have studied reception and front line office skills and have started to get my qualification in childcare. I’ve gotten lots of different experiences over my three years here. I did some work experience in the pre-school and then I did admin work with the Occupational Therapy Department. I also worked as an assistant to the physiotherapists working with children in the hydrotherapy pool. I really enjoyed that and got really positive feedback from the parents. I’ve developed lots of new skills and qualifications along the way including getting my Emergency Response and Pediatrics First Aid Certificate.
Being on the CE scheme with Enable Ireland has boosted my confidence a lot. I would have had some anxiety and depression in the past but having something to do every day helps to get me through it. I had to cocoon at home during Covid-19, so it was really important to be able to keep working at home to keep me motivated. I work 19.5 hours a week on the CE scheme and I love it so if I have to do a few extra hours, I don’t mind it at all! I can get my time back when it is quieter.
When I started out with Enable Ireland I wasn’t sure about working with young kids but I really enjoy looking after the kids and working with them now. Since my time on the CE scheme I’ve decided childcare is the right career choice for me. I’m going to complete my Level 5 Child Care training and then hopefully continue to work for Enable Ireland as a Personal Assistant or preschool worker. I’m looking forward to my next module which is in Early Childhood and Play. I’m also doing a course on teaching parents infant massage therapy with their babies. I do all my studies online in my spare time. I’m an early school leave and going back to a classroom environment wouldn’t suit me at all. Joining the CE scheme meant I was able to get valuable work experience and study at the same time.
I’d recommend Enable Ireland to anyone looking to join a CE scheme. There is a really good support system in place. Mary, our CE supervision, is a star and she’s really supported and encourage me over the years. She’ll give you a nudge to try new things but she will also push to get you the opportunities you want. She checks in all the time to make sure you are getting on ok. I really enjoy working in the Galway centre. Everyone is so friendly and everyone talks to everyone there. You feel you are part of the team there.”
The Community Employment (CE) programme is administered by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) and is designed to help people who are long-term unemployed (or otherwise disadvantaged) to get back to work by offering part-time and temporary placements in jobs based within local communities. You can find out more about the scheme here.